Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol 32 (1999) Divine Discourses of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol 32 (1999) Divine Discourses of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol 32 (1999) Divine Discourses of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Index Of Discourses 1. Divinity protects and safeguards man ................................................................... 2 2. Cultivate love in your heart .................................................................................. 15 3. Manifesting Divinity in Lingodbhava .................................................................. 29 4. Give up enmity, develop unity .............................................................................. 40 5. Glory of Bharatiya Culture ................................................................................... 48 6. Put Ceiling On Your Desires ................................................................................. 62 7. Start New Year with spirit of love ........................................................................ 71 8. Relevance of Ramayana to modern life ............................................................... 81 9. Do Sadhana with pure Feelings ............................................................................ 93 10. Royal Path to Divinity ......................................................................................... 104 11. The ephemeral and the transcendental .............................................................. 117 12. Dwell in God Consciousness ................................................................................ 129 13. Nature of Self ........................................................................................................ 142 14. Women Symbolize Sacrifice ................................................................................ 156 15. Control Your Senses ............................................................................................ 171 16. Human Values and Education ............................................................................ 183 17. Power of Love ....................................................................................................... 195 18. Recognise the principle of ‘I’ ............................................................................. 205 19. Develop intense devotion ..................................................................................... 213 20. Truth emerges from Wisdom .............................................................................. 224 21. Install padukas in your heart .............................................................................. 234 22. Follow Divine Commands ................................................................................... 244 23. Cultivate Discipline and Love ............................................................................. 252 24. Human Values and Service ................................................................................. 257 25. Let life be fruitful and meaningful ..................................................................... 264 26. Devotion — the supreme yagna............................................................................ 279 27. Youth should transform the world ..................................................................... 289 28. Importance of mother’s grace ............................................................................ 298 29. Seek God within ................................................................................................... 308 30. True education liberates ...................................................................................... 324 31. Complete surrender confers Bliss ...................................................................... 342 32. Divine love is true religion ................................................................................... 356 Index https://sathyasai.us/devotion/discourses 1 Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol 32 (1999), Discourse 1 - Divinity protects and safeguards man 1. Divinity protects and safeguards man Date: 14 January 1999 / Location: Prasanthi Nilayam / Occasion: Sankranthi, Sports Meet If You Cannot Achieve What You Want, Do Not Waver Or Get Depressed. He Is A Realised One Who Is Cheerful In The Face Of All Adversities. [Telugu Poem] Embodiments of Love! Students - Boys and Girls! "Ekamsena Sthitham Jagat (the whole universe is based on one aspect of divinity)." Just as the sun's rays do not exist in the absence of the sun, so also the world cannot exist without divinity, the primordial basis. Here on this table you find a flower, a cup, a mike, and a handkerchief. The word 'is' is used to connote the existence of all these items. Here the emphasis is on the word 'is'. There is a picture, there is a pot and there is a person. The word is proves their existence. This 'is' explains the principle of divinity in full. The shakti (power), leelas (divine play), and the effulgence of God are limitless. The five elements are responsible for the protection and sustenance of the world. The first element, the earth, is the basis for mountains and hills, rivers and oceans, villages and cities, and forests. You can very well imagine the immense power of the earth, which supports all these. Power of the elements The earth is endowed with infinite power. Scientists have discovered that the earth rotates. True. Logically speaking, the rivers, oceans, mountains, villages, and cities should also rotate when the earth, the basis, rotates. It is not so in reality. It is only the earth that rotates. The railway track is the basis for the train to move. If the track also starts moving, what would be the plight of the passengers? From this, it can be inferred that the track is the adhara Index https://sathyasai.us/devotion/discourses 2 Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol 32 (1999), Discourse 1 - Divinity protects and safeguards man (basis) and the train, the adheya (the object based on it). The table is the basis (adhara) for the mike -adheya- to rest upon. Make an effort to understand the relationship between the support (adhara) and the supported object (adheya). The earth, which is the repository of all powers (electrical, magnetic, etc.) forms the basis, sustains, and protects all the objects on it. There is no power that is not present in the earth. The earth is able to support all the beings on it because of its infinite power. Seen or unseen, water, the second element, is present all over the earth. It is water that sustains the life principle of humanity. It supports life on earth and is responsible for the evolution of life. The third element, agni (fire), is also all-pervasive. It is present in the form of jataragni in the human body. It is this jataragni that maintains the temperature of the human body at 98.4 degrees Fahrenheit. There is fire even in the ocean. That is termed as badabagni. There is fire even in trees. When two branches rub against each other, fire is generated. Fire is immanent even in a stone. Fire emerges when two stones are struck against each other. Investigations on these lines will reveal that there is no place without fire. Similarly, the fourth and fifth elements vayu (wind) and the akasha (ether) are also all-pervasive. The akasha is the basis for all. It is the origin of sound. In fact, all the other elements originated from akasha. Therefore, we can conclude that the divine power, which is omnipresent and omnipotent, is present in all the five elements. When the five elements themselves are so powerful, how much greater the power of God should be! Though the five elements, which are essentially divine, are present in man, he is in quest of divine power, which he feels is present elsewhere. These powers are insignificant for God, who is aware of the past, present, and future. So, make an attempt to understand the omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent nature of God. Swami has no body attachment Index https://sathyasai.us/devotion/discourses 3 Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol 32 (1999), Discourse 1 - Divinity protects and safeguards man The whole world is also a conglomeration of the five elements. The world cannot exist in the absence of even one of the elements. Whether you see them or not, the five elements are present everywhere. Here is a small example. Though air is invisible and intangible, it is everywhere. Similarly, divinity is invisible and intangible, yet is omnipresent. Without realising the divinity within him, man becomes egotistic and feels that all his accomplishments are due to his education, intelligence, and physical prowess. But, in reality, it is the divinity that protects and safeguards man at every step from womb to tomb. No one has the power to protect one's own self. It is only the divine power and divine will that enables man to protect himself. Only divinity has free will, none else. Whatever God says or does is for the welfare of humanity. God is selfless. There is no trace of selfishness in God. What is the benefit accruing to the sun by rising and setting? None at all. Sunrise and sunset are for the benefit of mankind. It enables man to discharge his duties during the day and rest during the night. Similarly, every act of God is for the benefit of mankind, not for His own. As Narasimhamurthi pointed out, Kasturi once urged Me not to neglect this body in the process of saving a devotee. I replied, "This body has come for the sake of devotees and shall be utilised for doing anything and everything for their welfare." Body attachment is human and total detachment is divine. Attachment to the body is responsible for all suffering and misery. Since God does not have any body attachment He does
Recommended publications
  • Akasha (Space) and Shabda (Sound): Vedic and Acoustical Perspectives
    1 Akasha (Space) and Shabda (Sound): Vedic and Acoustical perspectives M.G. Prasad Department of Mechanical Engineering Stevens Institute of Technology Hoboken, New Jersey [email protected] Abstract A sequential ordering of five elements on their decreasing subtlety, namely space, air fire, water and earth is stated by Narayanopanishat in Atharva Veda. This statement is examined from an acoustical point of view. The space as an element (bhuta) is qualified by sound as its descriptor (tanmatra). The relation between space and sound and their subtle nature in reference to senses of perception will be presented. The placement of space as the first element and sound as its only property will be discussed in a scientific perspective. Introduction The five elements and their properties are referred to in various places in the Vedic literature. An element is the substance (dravya) which has an associated property (of qualities) termed as guna. The substance-property (or dravya- guna) relationship is very important in dealing with human perception and its nature through the five senses. Several Upanishads and the darshana shastras have dealt with the topic of substance-property (see list of references at the end). The sequential ordering of the five elements is a fundamental issue when dealing with the role of five elements and their properties in the cosmological evolution of the universe. At the same time the order of the properties of elements is also fundamental issue when dealing with the perception of elements is also a through five senses. This paper focuses attention on the element-property (or dravya-guna) relation in reference to space as the element and sound as its property.
    [Show full text]
  • A Study of the Early Vedic Age in Ancient India
    Journal of Arts and Culture ISSN: 0976-9862 & E-ISSN: 0976-9870, Volume 3, Issue 3, 2012, pp.-129-132. Available online at http://www.bioinfo.in/contents.php?id=53. A STUDY OF THE EARLY VEDIC AGE IN ANCIENT INDIA FASALE M.K.* Department of Histroy, Abasaheb Kakade Arts College, Bodhegaon, Shevgaon- 414 502, MS, India *Corresponding Author: Email- [email protected] Received: December 04, 2012; Accepted: December 20, 2012 Abstract- The Vedic period (or Vedic age) was a period in history during which the Vedas, the oldest scriptures of Hinduism, were composed. The time span of the period is uncertain. Philological and linguistic evidence indicates that the Rigveda, the oldest of the Vedas, was com- posed roughly between 1700 and 1100 BCE, also referred to as the early Vedic period. The end of the period is commonly estimated to have occurred about 500 BCE, and 150 BCE has been suggested as a terminus ante quem for all Vedic Sanskrit literature. Transmission of texts in the Vedic period was by oral tradition alone, and a literary tradition set in only in post-Vedic times. Despite the difficulties in dating the period, the Vedas can safely be assumed to be several thousands of years old. The associated culture, sometimes referred to as Vedic civilization, was probably centred early on in the northern and northwestern parts of the Indian subcontinent, but has now spread and constitutes the basis of contemporary Indian culture. After the end of the Vedic period, the Mahajanapadas period in turn gave way to the Maurya Empire (from ca.
    [Show full text]
  • Conversations with Swami Turiyananda
    CONVERSATIONS WITH SWAMI TURIYANANDA Recorded by Swami Raghavananda and translated by Swami Prabhavananda (This month's reading is from the Jan.-Feb., 1957 issue of Vedanta and the West.) The spiritual talks published below took place at Almora in the Himalayas during the summer of 1915 in the ashrama which Swami Turiyananda had established in cooperation with his brother-disciple, Swami Shivananda. During the course of these conversations, Swami Turiyananda describes the early days at Dakshineswar with his master, Sri Ramakrishna, leaving a fascinating record of the training of an illumined soul by this God-man of India. His memories of life with his brother-disciples at Baranagore, under Swami Vivekananda’s leadership, give a glimpse of the disciplines and struggles that formed the basis of the young Ramakrishna Order. Above all, Swami Turiyananada’s teachings in the pages that follow contain practical counsel on many aspects of religious life of interest to every spiritual seeker. Swami Turiyananda spent most of his life in austere spiritual practices. In 1899, he came to the United States where he taught Vedanta for three years, first in New York, later on the West Coast. By the example of his spirituality he greatly influenced the lives of many spiritual aspirants both in America and India. He was regarded by Sri Ramakrishna as the perfect embodiment of that renunciation which is taught in the Bhagavad Gita Swami Shivananda, some of whose talks are included below, was also a man of the highest spiritual realizations. He later became the second President of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission.
    [Show full text]
  • 9. Brahman, Separate from the Jagat
    Chapter 9: Brahman, Separate from the Jagat ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Question 1: Why does a human being see only towards the external vishayas? ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Answer: Katha Upanishad states in 2.1.1 that Paramatma has carved out the indriyas only outwards and ​ ​ therefore human beings see only towards external vishayas. ​परािच खान यतणृ वयभूतमापरा पयत नातरामन .् Question 2: What is the meaning of Visheshana? What are the two types of Visheshanas of Brahman? ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Answer: That guna of an object which separates it from other objects of same jati (=category) is known as ​ ​ Visheshana. For example, the ‘blue color’ is guna of blue lotus. This blue color separates this blue lotus from all other lotuses (lotus is a jati). Therefore, blue color is a Visheshana. The hanging hide of a cow separates it from all four-legged animals. Thus, this hanging hide is a Visheshana of cow among the jati of four-legged animals. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The two types of Visheshanas of Brahman which are mentioned in Shruti are as follows:- ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Bhava-roopa Visheshana (Those Visheshanas which have existence) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Abhava-roopa Visheshana (Those Visheshanas which do not exist) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Question 3: Describe the bhava-roopa Visheshanas of Brahman? ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Answer: Visheshana refers to that guna of object which separates it from all other objects of same jati. Now jati ​ ​ of human beings is same as that of Brahman. Here, by Brahman, Ishvara is meant who is the nimitta karan of jagat. Both human being as well as Brahman (=Ishvara) has jnana and hence both are of same jati. However, there is great difference between both of them and thus Brahman (=Ishvara) is separated due to the following bhava-roopa Visheshanas:- ​ ​ ● Human beings have limited power, but Brahman is omnipotent.
    [Show full text]
  • AKASHA-In-English
    אקאשה אִמָּ א http://www.morfix.co.il/%D7%90%D6%B4%D7%9E%D6%B8%D7%90 أكاشا http://www.mexat.com/vb/showthread.php?t=580642 ُ أ مّ http://aratools.com/ آکاشا َمادَر https://translate.google.com/#iw/fa/mother अकाश Akāśa http://shabdkosh.raftaar.in/Meaning-of-AKASHA-in-English माता Mātā https://translate.google.com/#auto/hi/mother Akasha - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akasha Akasha From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Akasha (or Akash , Ākāś a IPA: [a ːka ːʃə ], आकाश ) is the Sanskrit word meaning "æther" in both its elemental and metaphysical senses. Contents 1 Meaning in different philosophies 1.1 Hinduism 1.2 Jainism 1.3 Buddhism 1.4 Cārv ākism 1.5 Theosophy 1.6 Modern Paganism 2 See also 3 References 4 External links Meaning in different philosophies Hinduism In Hinduism, Akasha means the basis and essence of all things in the material world; the first material element created from the astral world, (Akasha (Ether), Earth,Water,Fire,Air,) in sequence). It is one of the Panchamahabhuta , or "five elements"; its main characteristic is Shabda (sound). In Sanskrit the word means "space", the first element in creation. In Hindi, Marathi and Gujarati, and many other Indian languages, the meaning of Akasha has been accepted as sky.[1] The Nyaya and Vaisheshika schools of Hindu philosophy state that Akasha or aether is the fifth physical substance, which is the substratum of the quality of sound. It is the One , Eternal , and All Pervading physical substance, which is imperceptible.
    [Show full text]
  • May I Answer That?
    MAY I ANSWER THAT? By SRI SWAMI SIVANANDA SERVE, LOVE, GIVE, PURIFY, MEDITATE, REALIZE Sri Swami Sivananda So Says Founder of Sri Swami Sivananda The Divine Life Society A DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY PUBLICATION First Edition: 1992 Second Edition: 1994 (4,000 copies) World Wide Web (WWW) Reprint : 1997 WWW site: http://www.rsl.ukans.edu/~pkanagar/divine/ This WWW reprint is for free distribution © The Divine Life Trust Society ISBN 81-7502-104-1 Published By THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY P.O. SHIVANANDANAGAR—249 192 Distt. Tehri-Garhwal, Uttar Pradesh, Himalayas, India. Publishers’ Note This book is a compilation from the various published works of the holy Master Sri Swami Sivananda, including some of his earliest works extending as far back as the late thirties. The questions and answers in the pages that follow deal with some of the commonest, but most vital, doubts raised by practising spiritual aspirants. What invests these answers and explanations with great value is the authority, not only of the sage’s intuition, but also of his personal experience. Swami Sivananda was a sage whose first concern, even first love, shall we say, was the spiritual seeker, the Yoga student. Sivananda lived to serve them; and this priceless volume is the outcome of that Seva Bhav of the great Master. We do hope that the aspirant world will benefit considerably from a careful perusal of the pages that follow and derive rare guidance and inspiration in their struggle for spiritual perfection. May the holy Master’s divine blessings be upon all. SHIVANANDANAGAR, JANUARY 1, 1993.
    [Show full text]
  • BHIC-105 English.Pmd
    BHIC-105 HISTORY OF INDIA-III (750 - 1206 CE) School of Social Sciences Indira Gandhi National Open University EXPERT COMMITTEE Prof. Kapil Kumar (Convenor) Prof. Makhan Lal Chairperson Director Faculty of History Delhi Institute of Heritage, School of Social Sciences Research and Management IGNOU, New Delhi New Delhi Prof. P. K. Basant Dr. Sangeeta Pandey Faculty of Humanities and Languages Faculty of History Jamia Milia Islamia School of Social Sciences New Delhi IGNOU, New Delhi Prof. D. Gopal Director, SOSS, IGNOU, New Delhi Course Coordinator : Prof. Nandini Sinha Kapur COURSE TEAM Prof. Nandini Sinha Kapur Dr. Suchi Dayal Dr. Abhishek Anand COURSE PREPARATION TEAM Unit no. Course Writer Dr. Khushboo Kumari Academic Counsellor Dr. Suchi Dayal 1 Non Collegiate Women’s Education Board Academic Consultant, Faculty of History School (Bharati College), University of Delhi of Social Sciences, IGNOU, New Delhi Dr. Avantika Sharma Dr. Ashok Shettar 8 2* Department of History, I.P. College for Karnataka University, Dharwad Women, Delhi University, Delhi Dr. Pintu Kumar 3** Dr. Richa Singh Assistant Professor 9 Ph.D from Centre for Historical Studies Motilal Nehru College (Evening) Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi Delhi University Professor Champaklakshmi Dr. Naina Dasgupta 10****** Retired from Center for Historical Studies National Open School, Kailash Colony Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi New Delhi and Dr. Sangeeta Pandey Dr. V. K. Jain Faculty of History Department of History School of Social Sciences IGNOU, New Delhi University of Delhi, Delhi 4*** Prof. Y. Subbarayalu, Head Prof. Harbans Mukhia Indology Department, Retired from Centre for Historical Studies French Institute of Pondicherry, Puducherry Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • Book Only Cd Ou160053>
    TEXT PROBLEM WITHIN THE BOOK ONLY CD OU160053> Vedant series. Book No. 9. English aeries (I) \\ A hand book of Sri Madhwacfaar^a's POORNA-BRAHMA PH I LOSOPHY by Alur Venkat Rao, B.A.LL,B. DHARWAR. Dt. DHARWAR. (BOM) Publishers : NAYA-JEEYAN GRANTHA-BHANDAR, SADHANKERI, DHARWAR. ( S.Rly ) Price : Superior : 7 Rs. 111954 Ordinary: 6 Rs. (No postage} Publishers: Nu-va-Jeevan Granth Bhandar Dharwar, (Bombay) Printer : Sri, S. N. Kurdi, Sri Saraswati Printing Press, Dharwar. ,-}// rights reserved by the author. To Poorna-Brahma Dasa; Sri Sri : Sri Madhwacharya ( Courtesy 1 he title of my book is rather misleading for though the main theme of the book is Madhwa philosophy, it incidentally and comparitively deals with other philosophies such as that of Sri Shankara Sri Ramanuja and Sri Mahaveer etc. So, it is use- ful for all those who are interested in such subjects. Sri Madhawacharya, the foremost Vaishnawa philosopher, who is the last of the three great Teachers,- Sri Shankara, Sri Ramanuja and Sri Madhwa,- is so far practically unknown to the English-reading public of India. This is, therefore the first attempt to present his philosophy to the wider public. Madhwa philosophy has got two aspects, one universal and the other, particular. I have tried to place before the readers both these aspects. I have re-assessed the values of Madhwa and other philosophies, and have tried to find out also the greatest common factor,-an angle of vision which has not been systematically adopted by any body. He is a great Harmoniser. In fact mine isS quite a new approach, I have tried to put old things in a new way.
    [Show full text]
  • The Greatness of Misery
    The Greatness of Misery Swami Chetanananda People generally love joyful stories with happy endings. But human life consists of happiness and misery, comedy and tragedy. Even when divine beings take human forms, they must obey this law of maya. Because happiness and misery are inevitable in human life, avatars accept this fact but are not affected by it. Most of the time, their minds dwell in their divine nature, which is above the pairs of opposites. They take human birthto teach ordinary people how to face problems and suffering, maintain peace and harmony, and experience divine bliss by leading a God-­‐‑centred life. In every age, when religion declines and irreligion prevails, avatars come to reestablish the eternal religion. But they do not come alone. They are aended by their spiritual companions: For example, Ramachandra came with Sita, Krishna with Radha, Buddha with Yashodhara, Chaitanya with Vishnupriya, and Ramakrishna with Sarada. As the birds cannot fly with one wing, so avatars are accompanied by their Shakti, theirfemale counterpart. These spiritual consorts carry the avatar’s spiritual message and serve as an inspiration for others. Sita suffered throughout her life; and she taught how to forbear suffering by keeping her mind in herbeloved Rama. Radha tried to forget her pain of separation from Krishnaby focussing on her longing and passion for him. When Buddha left, Yashodhara was grief-­‐‑stricken. She raised their son and led a nun’s life in the palace. She forgot her pain by practising renunciation and thinking of the impermanency of the world. Vishnupriya accepted Chaitanya’s wish to be a monk, releasing her husband to be a world teacher.
    [Show full text]
  • In Conservation Work of Angkor Complex
    Community Empowerment in Conservation Work of Angkor Complex Keiko Miura, who is engaged in fieldwork in Cambodia, has been working or involved in Siem Reap for more than six years. She contributed this article on the efforts of the local and foreign community in the area of conservation Thibaud Lepage National and international framework of conservation of Angkor Following the two decades of war and instability, and prior to the UN-sponsored national elections in Cambodia of May, 1993, Angkor was inscribed on the World Heritage List in December, 1992, when it was also declared a World Heritage Site in Danger for the proba- tionary period of three years. This was the culmination of years of preparatory efforts made by the Cambodian authorities and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Then, the World Heritage Committee (WHC) made an exceptional decision to temporarily lift normally required inscription conditions pertaining to national mechanisms for site protection.1 Further development concerning the conservation of Angkor heritage site was made through the Tokyo Declaration of October 1993, which led to the establishment of the International Co-ordinating Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of the Historic Site of Angkor or ICC. Japan and France co-chair ICC, with UNESCO in charge of its secretariat. Ever since, the international conservation work in Angkor has been co-ordinated, and a framework to examine on-going projects and new ones has been established.2 Meanwhile, the legal framework for the conservation of the Angkor heritage site has been established by the Government of Cambodia, in co-operation with UNESCO and other international organisations.
    [Show full text]
  • Karmic Philosophy and the Model of Disability in Ancient India OPEN ACCESS Neha Kumari Research Scholar, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
    S International Journal of Arts, Science and Humanities Karmic Philosophy and the Model of Disability in Ancient India OPEN ACCESS Neha Kumari Research Scholar, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India Volume: 7 Abstract Disability has been the inescapable part of human society from ancient times. With the thrust of Issue: 1 disability right movements and development in eld of disability studies, the mythical past of dis- ability is worthy to study. Classic Indian Scriptures mention differently able character in prominent positions. There is a faulty opinion about Indian mythology is that they associate disability chie y Month: July with evil characters. Hunch backed Manthara from Ramayana and limping legged Shakuni from Mahabharata are negatively stereotyped characters. This paper tries to analyze that these charac- ters were guided by their motives of revenge, loyalty and acted more as dramatic devices to bring Year: 2019 crucial changes in plot. The deities of lord Jagannath in Puri is worshipped , without limbs, neck and eye lids which ISSN: 2321-788X strengthens the notion that disability is an occasional but all binding phenomena in human civiliza- tion. The social model of disability brings forward the idea that the only disability is a bad attitude for the disabled as well as the society. In spite of his abilities Dhritrashtra did face discrimination Received: 31.05.2019 because of his blindness. The presence of characters like sage Ashtavakra and Vamanavtar of Lord Vishnu indicate that by efforts, bodily limitations can be transcended. Accepted: 25.06.2019 Keywords: Karma, Medical model, Social model, Ability, Gender, Charity, Rights.
    [Show full text]
  • Chandogya Upanishad 1.2.1: Once Upon a Time the Gods and the Demons, Both Descendants of Prajapati, Were Engaged in a Fight
    A Preview “… Dr. Prasad’s collections of the two largest and most difficult to understand Upanishads make an in-road and gives access to the magnificent conclusions left by the ancient sages of India. This book gives us a view of the information which was divulged by those teachers. It is easy to read and understand and will encourage you to delve deeper into the subject matter.” CONTENTS 1. Chāndogya Upanishad……..…….…. 3 1. The big famine…………………………….…..... 6 2. The cart-man…………………………….………13 3 Satyakama Jabala and Sevā………………… 14 4. Fire teaches Upakosala…………….………… 15 Chāndogya 5. Svetaketu: five questions……………………. 18 and 6. Svetaketu: nature of sleep…………………... 22 7. That thou art, O Svetaketu………………….…23 Brihadāranyaka 8. Indra and virochana……………………….….. 29 Commentary…………………………...……..... 31 Upanishads End of Commenrary……………………....….. 55 Two large and difficult Upanishads are presented 2. Brihadāranyaka Upanishad …….…56 (without original Sanskrit verses) in simple modern English for those advanced students who have 9. Dialogue: Ajtsatru-Gargya……………...…. 61 read Bhagavad-Gita and other 9 Principal 10. Yajnavalkya and maitreyi ……………....…..63 Upanishads. Simpler important verses are 11. Meditation taught through horse’s head.. 65 12. Yajnavalkya: The best Vedic Scholar…… 66 printed in underlined-bold; comm- 13. Three ‘Da’ …………………………….…….…78 entaries from translators, references&Glossary. Commentary…………………………….……... 84 14. Each soul is dear to the other………...……90 By 15. The Wisdom of the Wise (Yagnavalkya)… 91 16. Gargi and the Imperishable ……………..…94 Swami Swahananda 17. Janaka and Yajnavalkya 1 ……………..…..95 and 18. Janaka and Yajnavalkya 2 …………..……..97 Swami Madhavananda et al. 19. The Process of Reincarnation…… …..… 100 Editor: Ramananda Prasad End of Commenrary …………….…..……….105 A Brief Sanskrit Glossary On page 844 of 908 of the pdf: www.gita-society.com/108Upanishads.pdf INTERNATIONAL GITA ***** Editor’s note: Most of the materials in this book are SOCIETY taken from the above webpage which does not have a Copyright mark.
    [Show full text]